I have been looking at these boards for a while now, but haven't come across any postings that would answer my question(s).

I am currently a licensed language arts teacher in the states (four years experience), but am considering a move to teach in another country. I am interested in teaching in central or eastern Europe, maybe Krakow or Prague. I am aware of the saturation of EFL teachers in both cities, but I am curious about my qualifications.

I have a BA in Communications Studies and became certified (marked highly qualified) in language arts when I began my teaching career. I am 34 years old and teaching is my second career. However, I can not see myself doing anything else because I love my job. My first career was in film and television (an assistant director), so I use a lot of technology/media in the classroom.

Anyway, enough about me. I would like to know if I would need a CELTA or TEFL certification even though I am already a licensed teacher. Yes, I understand that teaching english as a foreign language is quite different than teaching english to native speakers. However, I teach in an inner city school (2nd most violent in the state!!) where most of the population is studying english as a second language. I have extensive ESL training through professional development and I am very comfortable speaking to and teaching non-native english speakers.

I am hoping to make the move at the end of this school year. If I do need CELTA or TEFL, I would have time to get certified over the summer before the hiring season begins. However, they are pretty expensive, and I don't need to explain the financial woes of teachers.

I am also a certified teacher, and I think you still need some kind of TESL training. It also depends on where you want to go, and what kind of job you want to do. If you want to work in an International school, teaching content in English, then, no, you donīt need it. But if you want to teach just ESL, then I would recommend getting some kind of training, even if itīs not a job requirement, it will help you do a good job, especially if you want to teach adults. But, bear in mind, in most places, certified teachers make more money and have a better benefits package than an ESL teacher. There is also job satisfaction to consider. In many of the international schools the kids you get are spoiled brats, from rich families. I taught in 2 international schools in 2 different countries, and decided that I prefered teaching adults, so took a pretty big pay cut, but am far, far happier in terms of the work I do.

While you do have more experience than a number of the teachers in Prague (and probably Krakow), keep in mind that there are also a number of teachers in both cities with both a CELTA and years of teaching experience. So while it may not be a requirement, getting a CELTA does make you more competitive in this market.

However, being a licensed teacher in the States, and having some experience, you have the requirements to teach at international schools. You will likely be teaching English much as you teach it now, but the pay is definitely better, not to mention the hours. If I were in your place, this is the route I'd be looking to take.

You can always give it a shot. You either know what you're doing or you don't. As a TEFL course provider, we get a lot of teachers that take the course and the skills learned and needed on the course and afterwards are much different than any other teaching subject.
However, if you can get a job, find a place to live, develop contacts without a TEFL and do a good job in your classes - go for it. You can always take a TEFL cert course later and you'll most likely get a better deal on one anyway if you come as a walk in.

I also studied for a BEd in the long past and taught for a couple of years in US schools. TEFL is a VERY different animal (I've been teaching EFL for more than 12 years now and hold a related MA along with other related quals).

You mention 'extensive ESL training through professional development.' A more detailed description of this MAY get you by without a TEFL cert, particularly if your professional development in the ESL field included a significant amount of supervision of your actual teaching.
It's the practice teaching with feedback from experienced teacher trainers that is a key element of a CELTA or equivalent qualification.

You'll also want to describe approaches and methods you use in the classroom. Keep in mind that the biggest newbie market here is Business English, so issues like classroom management and motivation are very different to what you will have experienced in a US school under the university level.

I think part of what Chris is getting at is the difference between coming over to Prague (or whatever city), taking a cert course, and then looking for a job - or doing it all cold on your own.
The in-country cert courses are a helpful bridge into country/culture/job market. They usually handle logistics such as airport pickup, arrange for your accomodation during the course, offer local orientation, and probably survival local language classes. Your fellow trainees can form your first social connections, and a training centre can give you invaluable information regarding reputable local employers.

I agree that the international school route would be feasible in your case, but openings are pretty rare. It's certainly worth a search, though.

You are not going to be hired with an online TEFL course when there are plenty of competitors with an onsite TEFL. I have helped with the hiring process at schools in Prague, and if we do not see the word TEFL or CELTA on the CV, it goes straight to the trash can no matter what other credentials you may have. As Spiral stated, teaching ESL is a completely different animal.

I'll start saving for a course. Now my next question would be, should I get certified here in the US or take a summer course in Prague, then start pounding the pavement and hope I find a job before my tourist visa runs out?

There is an Oxford Seminars TEFL course in the city I live. Does anyone know if that TEFL will be recognized in Prague (or any other central/eastern european country)?

I'll be coming over in March to visit some friends in Prague. If I already had my certification, could I start visiting schools in hope of finding the rare summer work or a position in the fall?

Actually, I think the later dates would likely be better.
Europeans take the August holidays pretty seriously and you may not find too many employers around ready to interview and start filing paperwork for your visa until the end of the month - early Sept.

Remember your 90 day clock starts ticking as soon as you enter the zone, so you'll want to time your course to maximise the chances of landing employment right after your course if possible.